We chose the one week the owner's decided to close shop – to go on what was, by all accounts, a well deserved holiday.

At least that's what the sign in the window said.

We'd heard only good things about Cafe Lento and so it was all the more reason to make a concerted effort to sample the food and drink.

My dining partner and I chose a week-day lunchtime to pay them a visit. Thankfully, it was sunny and so we sat outside at one of three tables, an ideal place to people-watch, although there was a nice atmosphere inside the cafe too, which was moderately busy with couples, groups of pals and one or two people on their own, one browsing a paper, the other browsing the web courtesy of the cafe's wi-fi facility.

Staff were welcoming and polite and took our order quickly. In terms of drinks, they have all the usual lunchtime pick-me-ups: espresso, latte, cappuccino and a few enticing indulgences, such as the Lentoccino, a double-shot ice-cream frappe (£2.75), or spiced orange hot chocolate (£2.50). They also offer a mix of freshly blended smoothies and milkshakes, all £2.75 a piece.

Food-wise, Cafe Lento has a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, full English breakfast and 'light' dishes including homemade soup and Greek salad.

It's also the kind of place which is conscious of public concern over animal welfare and so sources its eggs from a local free range farm, meat from local butchers and fruit and vegetables from a shop which is literally just across the road.

We ordered two hot sandwiches: a sausage, cheddar and caramelised onion (£2.95) and a club (turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheese on toasted bread with mayo), which cost £3.75, plus coffees.

The food came in good time, we didn't feel rushed and had plenty of
space to chat and watch Headingley folk go about their business. The whole experience was well confiend to within the hour-long lunchtime window.

The food was tasty, ingredients were fresh and well prepared. After settling the bill, I was tempted to buy a couple of things from the sweet counter, a pastry and a chocolate cup cake, which proved delicious.

In summary, Cafe Lento has it all: excellent location, good presentation, efficient, polite staff and great tasting food. The place simply oozes character all over that end of North Lane.